Long Beach City College will become the first community college in the Western U.S. to establish a Delta Alpha Pi honor society – an organization specifically for students with disabilities.  The founding cohort of members will be initiated and installed on Thursday, October 18 from 7-8 p.m. at the Liberal Arts Campus’ Nordic Lounge.   

“I’m very proud that LBCC is the first college to join the DAP Honor Society in the Western U.S.,” said LBCC student and incoming Delta Alpha Pi President Andrea D’Angelo-Risner.

The installation ceremony is a groundbreaking event for LBCC and for students with disabilities.  It will be the first ever honor society for disabled students at the college.  Families and friends will be in attendance and the ceremony will include remarks from college officials.

“People with disabilities are confronted with negative stereotypes all the time,” said Dr. Terri Goldstein, who is organizing the installation.  “This Society shows that students with disabilities are being extremely successful in their educational endeavors, and they are bringing it to the forefront.”

Delta Alpha Pi recognizes students with disabilities who maintain a GPA of at least a 3.10 after attempting a minimum of 24 units.  Delta Alpha Pi was founded at East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania to recognize the academic accomplishments of students with disabilities.

The members of the LBCC’s Delta Alpha Pi will be involved in campus and community projects that will assist educating people about students with disabilities.  They will also participate in service projects and fundraising events.

Delta Alpha Pi will be advised by Dr. Terri Goldstein, who is the director of the Growth & Opportunities (GO) Project at Long Beach City College.  The GO Project is designed to increase the number of students with disabilities who graduate from LBCC and/or transfer to four year colleges and universities.